Repeal of the tax hike in the referendum seems overwhelmingly likely. What remains uncertain is how the revolt will reshape Oregon’s political landscape. A successful repeal could fracture the progressive coalition that has dominated for decades and affect midterm election outcomes.
The horse-drawn delivery of petitions to Salem was more than a quaint photo-op. It symbolized a return to the days when citizens spoke up and held accountable a government too comfortable in its power. Oregon’s tax revolt isn’t only about dollars and cents. It is about reclaiming the state’s political soul from a ruling class that has forgotten who it serves.